What's Ray Saying? (Ray Christian)

Ray explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair.

Ray explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police.

In this episode part one of a three part series on Black leadership, Ray explores the origins of Black influence and authority in America.

This special episode marks a dividing line between the old and new, where you were and where you're going, what was and what will be. Follow the journey from "seasoning" of slaves, to the life of a domestic worker in the 60's to current questions of assimilation and acculturation.

Ray explores Black American association with the South and why Black are concentrated in urban areas of the country.

From the birth of this nation until today, Ray explores the complexities of life as a soldier of color in the US.

Ray talks about Black American naming practice, history, traditions and conventions from slavery to the 20th century.

Ray explores Black leadership from the emergence of an elite class, with varying perspectives and experiences.

Ray explores Black leadership from the 1940s to now to reflect on it challenges and its legacies.

In this episode, Ray explores the legacy of Black Children taken as slaves from Africa, growing up on plantations and the impact on their social worth and development in America.

Ray explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America.

Want to know what this podcast is all about? Listen to Ray, the host, share a little of his vision and focus for the show as well as a little about himself.

A literal discussion of skin color—the range of visual nuances of appearances that we consider "Black", how those divisions came to be and their many implications. From the paper bag test and one drop rule to Rachel Dolezal, who is Black and why?

Ray completes the long journey of getting his stories heard, tells his life story and puts storytelling in context.

This episode traces storytelling in African American culture, from its roots in Africa, through the Middle Passage and slavery, and continuing through time until today. Ray shares which stories white people hear, which stories are just for “family”, and reflections on Ray’s introduction to the art of storytelling.

Ray continues to explore his storytelling journey after the RISK! show. He talks about his appearance on The Moth Radio Hour, a story in Readers Digest and his performance on Snap Judgment, the impact of this story and his reflections on storytelling.

In this premiere episode, Ray details the hardships that Blacks experienced after slavery and explores the themes and patterns of struggle that continued through the generations and into his own life.

This episode contains special music by Beej Gordy Brooks and cameo "appearances" by Kevin Allison and Kristina Wong.

Ray examines the nature of Black American assimilation into white culture.

What happens after death? Not in the metaphysical, existential sense. But quite literally, what happens after death? The history of the handling of bodies of Black decedents has been filled with interesting twists and turns, from blatant desecration to unusual rituals. Explore this topic with me in this episode of What's Ray Saying?

What, when, how, and why Blacks learned in the US as well as what others were taught about them, from the slave quarters to HBCU’s.

Ray looks at the origins of a false narrative of Black American history, its racist origins, the founder of revisionist history regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction, along with its influence on American society today.

From food stamps to gov'ment cheese—what it meant, how it helped, how we felt about it then, and what we think about it now.

In this episode Ray asks Tiffany if and when it is appropriate to speak about groups outside of your own, particularly should he do an episode about women.

In this episode, Ray reflects on the elements of a story, and in a conversation with Tiffany, gives an example of a story he is contemplating.

Let us introduce you again to another show we think you'll enjoy. RISK! is a live show and weekly podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public, created and hosted by Kevin Allison (MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix). In this best-of episode,  you'll hear stories, including one from Ray, that examine ideas of exposure, vulnerability, reunion and death. To find out more about the show, visit risk-show.com.

*Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Ray talks with Tiffany about the need for Black Americans to be flexible to move forward in their chosen profession, and the difference between a crack in the door and an open door to inclusion.

In a drive to the airport with his son, Ray talks about the perilous crossroads he faced in defining his masculinity.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

A Ray story produced by Spooked: "The Birds" - As a little boy in Richmond Virginia, raising pigeons, Ray Christian made a friend with the same hobby. But there was something mysterious about Ray’s new pal.

Spooked features true-life supernatural stories, told firsthand by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. Be afraid. Created in the dark of night, by Snap Judgment Studios, in partnership with KQED & PRX. It is hosted by Glynn Washington. For more, visit spookedpodcast.org.

In this episode, Tiffany takes over the direction of the discussion and asks Ray to examine his views and perspectives on gender expectations for their own children. 

In this mini episode of What’s Ray Saying?, Ray talks about the significance of intentional black social connections and a chance encounter with a group of Black folks in an unexpected place. Featuring a conversation with Lynn Patterson.

In this mini episode of What’s Ray Saying, Ray whimsically explores his encounters with the “dog on the street” and the diversity of canine culture. Through dialogue that breaks down stereotypes and builds understanding, he reimagines his conversations and the epiphany of understanding difference. Special thanks to Mark Pagan, the voice of the sophisticated, street-smart-but-smooth-on-the-outside perro in Mexico, and Tiffany Christian, the voice of the former-celebrity-down-on-her-luck French poodle with chipped red fingernail polish on the streets of LA. For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!

In this episode, as their two youngest prepare to leave home for college, Ray and Tiffany contemplate a new phase of their life together. What will it be like without kids in the house all the time?

We know you love a good story, so here's another show we think you'll enjoy. RISK! is a live show and weekly podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public, created and hosted by Kevin Allison (MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix). In this episode, the fifth in the show's Black Lives series, Jenn Kamara, Ashton Cynthia Clarke, and Brian Russell share about life experiences where being Black mattered. It features guest-host Dr. Ray Christian. To find out more about the show, visit risk-show.com.

To better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, Ray reflects on his first experience of going to the doctor.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

A message from Ray.

Ray looks back on his decision to join the army, unraveling a complicated history of Black military service and reflecting on the surprising changes the armed forces made in his life.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

Here's another great podcast featuring a conversation with Ray. The Confessional is hosted by author and ordained Lutheran pastor, Nadia Bolz-Weber. She invites guests to share stories about times they were at their worst. They talk honestly about what led to that moment, what they learned from it, and how they changed as a result. Let's step into The Confessional.

For more about the show, go to nadiabolzweber.com/podcast.

A Ray story produced by Snap judgment: The first rule about fight club is you do not talk about fight club. Ray Christian breaks that rule. Produced by Mark Ristich, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

For more incredible stories from around the world -- listen to Snap Judgment whenever you get your podcasts, or go to SnapJudgment.org to learn more about the show.

A young Ray Christian becomes captivated by the mysterious voices coming out of the radio and quickly discovers that there are rules and repercussions to being Black and talking a certain way.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

In this episode, Ray talks with Tiffany about the nature of military stories he hears on various shows and the degree of mis-information he perceives from them, and the possible reasons for why the general public and producers may seem less interested in factual details than him. 

Ray has a candid conversation with scholar and journalist Chenjerai Kumanyika, looking at the historic legacy of Jim Crow, how each of their families learned to navigate these codes, and the ways both men work against the idea of “staying in your place”.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

After getting a response from a 30-year-old letter, Ray explores a legacy of correspondence—from his personal experience writing for illiterate parents and soldiers to the fascinating role mail has played in Black military history.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

If you’ve been enjoying "What's Ray Saying?", here's another podcast we think you’ll like.

On “Know What You See”, host Brian Lowery delves into the ways our fundamental need to connect with others profoundly shapes our experience of life. Brian is a professor of social psychology at Stanford University, and on his podcast, he explores the surprising, perplexing and sometimes transcendent lives we create together. 

On this episode, Ray and Brian talk about how the stories we share, and the ones we leave out, shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. For more on "Know What You See", visit knowwhatyousee.com 

Hope you enjoy!

We want to share with you a new podcast I was proud to do an episode for. It's called "Little Devils", hosted by Jasmin Bauomy. "Little Devils" explores how often we are quick to judge others and ourselves for mistakes, failures and imperfections, and what happens if you move toward these things, examine how they came to be, and unearth the stories beneath them. 

On this episode, I tell the story of a “revenge prank” gone wrong.

"Little Devils" is a TRZ Media Original and an independent production. This is the pilot season. You can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/littledevils. Follow them on Instagram and BlueSky @littledevilsshow / @jasminbauomy / @trz_media.

In this bonus episode Ray explores story, memory and song with the podcast, The Volume Knob.

The Volume Knob is a personal storytelling podcast produced by Keith Serry, a writer/producer/performer - and, when called upon, lawyer - in Montreal, Quebec. TVK debuted in the summer of 2020. 

Keith asks all the storytellers on his show to try and convey how music makes us feel by asking them to tell the story of "the song that saved their life".

You can learn more about the Volume Knob at the show's website: www.volumeknob.net or on instagram @volume_knob or download the show wherever you get your podcasts.

A Ray story produced by Snap judgment: When morale is low among the paratroopers in his company, Sergeant Ray Christian takes them on an unexpected trip.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto.

For more incredible stories from around the world -- listen to Snap Judgment whenever you get your podcasts, or go to SnapJudgment.org to learn more about the show.

In this episode, Ray takes a trip back home and talks with his sister Janice about the challenges of caring for the sick and elderly at home. They discuss what they saw during the days of their youth, the secrecy, and the need for help.

For more about Ray go to drraychristian.com and let him know what you're thinking. Thanks!

What’s Ray Saying is back!

Immerse yourself in a world of Southern-baked personal narratives, interwoven with Black American history, all told through the lens of Ray Christian's remarkable life. In each episode, the award-winning storyteller, combat veteran, historian, and devoted father of six, invites you to become part of his community, as he shares stories from the scenic mountains of Appalachia.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

Ray goes back to Richmond and examines his evolution from ghetto kid to seasoned storyteller, taking a prideful look at the ways our environments and the bonds of family shape us.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

A look at Black fashion—from zoot suits to Soul Train to a complicated history of advertising. Plus, Ray reflects on the time he dropped out of school because he didn't have the right clothes.

What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.

To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.

This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.